Microsoft

Software Engineer II

Microsoft • $102K — $202K *
Redmond, WA 98052In-Person
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field and 2+ years of coding experience in languages like C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python.
  • 3+ years of professional software engineering experience preferred, focusing on development, testing, and debugging.
  • Experience in designing automated tests and validation frameworks is a plus.
  • Familiarity with operating systems, virtualization technologies, and software security is advantageous.
  • Understanding of secure coding practices and modern attack techniques is beneficial.

Responsibilities

  • Develop, test, debug, and maintain secure platform components for Windows Server.
  • Design and implement automated validation and fuzzing solutions to enhance software quality.
  • Build telemetry and diagnostics capabilities for product health and performance insights.
  • Participate in threat modeling and security reviews to mitigate vulnerabilities.
  • Investigate product issues using debugging tools and telemetry to identify root causes.
  • Support security incident response by collaborating with various teams to deliver fixes.
  • Apply secure-by-design principles and participate in code reviews to improve software quality.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
  • Flexible work arrangements and remote work options.
  • Professional development opportunities and training.
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and tools.
  • Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Full Job Description
Overview

The Core OS (Operating Systems) Team is responsible for the foundational technologies that underpin Windows and Windows Server, providing the trusted platform on which customers run their most critical workloads. Our team combines deep systems engineering with modern Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation to bring the next generation of intelligent capabilities to enterprise environments.

We are hiring a Software Engineer II in Core OS to help build secure and reliable platform capabilities for Windows Server across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud-connected deployments. This is a hands-on engineering role where you will contribute to the implementation, testing, validation, and support of platform security features while collaborating with experienced engineers across the Windows Server ecosystem.

You will help bring secure-by-design and secure-by-default ideas into production software by developing platform capabilities, automated validation solutions, telemetry, and diagnostics. You will work with engineers to translate security requirements, customer needs, and evolving threat landscapes into high-quality software that improves the security, reliability, and trustworthiness of Windows Server.

Responsibilities
  • Develop, test, debug, and maintain secure platform components and features for Windows Server using modern software engineering practices and AI-assisted development tools.
  • Design and implement automated validation, test, and fuzzing solutions that help improve software quality, reliability, security, and compatibility while preventing regressions.
  • Build telemetry, logging, diagnostics, and observability capabilities that provide insights into product health, reliability, performance, and security.
  • Participate in threat modeling, security reviews, and vulnerability mitigation efforts by implementing fixes, validating security invariants, and developing targeted test coverage.
  • Investigate product issues using debugging tools, logs, telemetry, and monitoring systems to identify root causes and contribute to corrective actions and long-term improvements.
  • Support security incident response activities by partnering with engineering, product, support, AI, and security teams to assess impact, diagnose issues, deliver fixes, and improve platform resilience.
  • Apply secure-by-design and secure-by-default principles, including secure coding practices, cryptographic standards, key management, auditability, and platform hardening techniques.
  • Participate in code reviews and design discussions, providing constructive feedback that improves code quality, reliability, maintainability, testability, and security.
  • Use AI-native engineering practices throughout the software development lifecycle, including code generation, testing, debugging, analysis, and documentation while maintaining accountability for the quality and correctness of all changes.
  • Collaborate with partner teams to deliver secure, scalable, and reliable solutions that meet Microsoft's security, privacy, compliance, accessibility, and operational standards.


Qualifications

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related technical field AND 2+ years technical engineering experience with coding in languages including, but not limited to, C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, or Python
    • OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 3+ years of professional software engineering experience developing, testing, debugging, and maintaining software using one or more languages such as C, C++, C#, Python, Rust, PowerShell, or Kusto.
  • Experience designing automated tests, validation frameworks, telemetry, diagnostics, or developer productivity tools.
  • Experience or demonstrated interest in operating systems, virtualization technologies, systems programming, platform engineering, and software security.
  • Familiarity with AI-assisted software development tools and modern software engineering practices.
  • Familiarity with platform security technologies such as Secure Boot, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), virtualization-based security (VBS), code integrity, Credential Guard, WDAC/App Control, BitLocker, and Secured-core.
  • Understanding of common security concepts, secure coding practices, threat modeling fundamentals, and modern attack techniques such as credential theft, privilege escalation, persistence, and lateral movement.
  • Familiarity with cryptography fundamentals, security telemetry, observability, monitoring, and incident investigation.
  • Solid problem-solving, debugging, collaboration, and communication skills with a passion for learning and building secure, reliable systems.

#W+DJOBS

Software Engineering IC3 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,100 - $202,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $133,800 - $219,200 per year.

Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay

This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

About Microsoft

Microsoft is an American multinational corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells a range of software products and services. Microsoft’s devices and consumer (D&C) licensing segment licenses the Windows operating system and related software, Microsoft Office for consumers, and the Windows Phone operating system. The company’s computing and gaming hardware segment provides Xbox gaming and entertainment consoles and accessories, second-party and third-party video games, and Xbox Live subscriptions; surface devices and accessories; and Microsoft PC accessories. Its phone hardware segment offers Lumia smartphones and other non-Lumia phones. Its D&C segment provides Windows Store, Xbox Live transactions, and Windows phone store; search advertising; display advertising; Office 365 Home and Office 365 Personal; first-party video games; and other consumer products and services as well as operating retail stores. Microsoft’s commercial licensing segments license server products, including Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Visual Studio, System Center, and related Client Access Licenses (CALs); Windows Embedded; Windows operating system; Microsoft Office for business, including Office, Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, and related CALs; Microsoft Dynamics business solutions; and Skype. Its commercial segment offers enterprise services, including premier support services and Microsoft consulting services; commercial cloud comprising Office 365 Commercial, other Microsoft Office online offerings, Dynamics CRM Online, and Microsoft Azure; and other commercial products and online services. The company markets and distributes its products through original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and resellers, as well as online.

Microsoft Careers

Join Microsoft today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity in its workforce. As a global leader in technology and digital transformation, Microsoft offers unparalleled job opportunities that propel your career to new heights.

Explore Career Opportunities at Microsoft

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a recent graduate eager to start your career, Microsoft has a position that suits your skills and ambitions. We are committed to fostering a culture of growth and learning, where every team member is supported in expanding their horizons.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Microsoft internship. Our internships provide invaluable workplace experience and networking opportunities in a supportive and dynamic environment. You'll work on real projects, learn from industry leaders, and gain the skills necessary for a successful career in technology.

Employment Benefits

Choosing a career at Microsoft means more than just a job. Our employees enjoy a range of benefits designed to empower them both professionally and personally. These include comprehensive health benefits, flexible working conditions, and opportunities for career advancement through professional development and diversity training.

Inclusive Culture and Diversity

At Microsoft, we believe that innovation comes from diversity of thought and inclusion. We are committed to a workplace where everyone feels valued and inspired. Our leadership is dedicated to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives lead to breakthrough innovations and a competitive edge.

Grow with Us

Career growth at Microsoft is about more than climbing the corporate ladder; it's about continuous learning, expanding your skills, and improving your capabilities. With access to various leadership and training programs, you can evolve as a professional and make a significant impact within the company and on the global stage.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to identify true potential. Starting with a review of your resume, followed by interviews that assess your problem-solving abilities and cultural fit, we ensure that all candidates have a fair chance to demonstrate their strengths and potential to contribute to our team.

Networking and Professional Development

Microsoft is a place where you can build a professional network that spans the globe. Our employees benefit from connections with top-tier professionals and industry leaders, which opens doors to innovative projects and collaborative opportunities that are second to none.

Join Our Team

If you're ready to take on exciting challenges and make a difference in the world of technology, explore the job opportunities at Microsoft. Search for open positions that match your skills and interests, and prepare to embark on a rewarding career path filled with innovation and opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Microsoft Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Get tailored content that aligns with your career preferences and discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Microsoft.

SEARCH MICROSOFT JOBS

At Microsoft, your future is limitless. Join us in our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. Your journey with Microsoft starts here.
Learn more about Microsoft
Size
181,000 employees
Market Cap
$1,762.4 billion
Industry
Enterprise Technology
Net Income
$51.3 billion
Founded
1975
5 Year Trend
+15.5%
Revenue
$153.2 billion
NASDAQ
MSFT
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Microsoft

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Software Engineer II jobs:

NationwideRedmond, WA